Group photo of MOEI representatives at ShipTek 2022
Group photo of MOEI representatives at ShipTek 2022Courtesy

In a new achievement in the maritime sector and its efforts in innovation and sustainability, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Energy and Infrastructure Ministry has won “Regulatory Initiative in Maritime Sustainability & Innovation Award” at ShipTek International Awards 2022.

H.E Hassan Mohamed Juma Al-Mansoori, Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), expressed his happiness for the award, pointing out that it recognizes the Ministry’s efforts to transform the UAE into a global hub for innovation in maritime services and industries as well as its initiatives to promote sustainability in the maritime sector.

Al-Mansoori added, “The UAE places innovation at the top of its priorities. At the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we support the development of the maritime sector, promote the adoption of modern technologies and quality innovations in the industry, enhance the UAE’s leadership in adopting digital solutions and keeping pace with the latest developments and global trends in the maritime sector, in addition to consolidating the standards of maritime safety and protecting the marine environment worldwide.”

“These efforts have contributed to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector. The UAE ranks 3rd globally in transport services trade and in Bunker Supply Index and 13th globally in Port Performance and Efficiency Index. The UAE’s ports are among the top 10 internationally in the volume of container handling. The country’s ports rank among the top 10 internationally in the volume of container handling. The UAE is one of the top maritime centers worldwide.”

The UAE has over than 20 leading international seaports and some of the largest oil export ports in the world. It ranks 3rd in Bunker Supply Index and is the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the developer of Maqta Gateway, the UAE’s first digital port community powered by blockchain.

H.E Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, said, “The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure contributes to enhancing sustainability across all sectors in the UAE, including the maritime industry, which adopts the highest standards of sustainability and environmental protection.”

“This has consolidated the UAE’s leading position among the best maritime centers in the world. Through its membership in the IMO Council, the UAE has introduced fundamental amendments to many decisions about preserving the environment. The UAE continues to work with member states to advance the global maritime sector and the shipping industry to ensure the safety and security of maritime transport in clean oceans.”

ShipTek International Awards team said that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has made sustainability and innovation an integral part of its occupational practice and described the ministry as a forward-thinking organization that has taken initiatives for employee and community welfare, set a separate team to handle innovation and sustainability matters, and taken up multiple environmental initiatives playing a major role of the growth of maritime industry in the region.

ShipTek Awards are part of the ShipTek International Conference, which focuses on the maritime shipping, oil and gas sectors. The 15th edition witnessed the participation of a number of industry leaders and senior officials from major companies and institutions that have distinguished contributions to the maritime sector regionally and globally.